A fellow NVS owner made me aware of this thread and I feel compelled to comment. Recently I've been absent from posting on the audio forums. The primary reason is that I've finally achieved a satisfaction level with my system and have been spending my free time listening to music, rather than searching for answers to system related shortcomings on the Internet. I've owned the NVS for several years now and am completely, blissfully happy with it's performance. When a transducer is right your ears, brain and gut know it. That's where I'm at. I've got it mated with an Ortofon A90 and Durand Talea arm. It's my understanding that the NVS was voiced with the A90 and Talea. Perhaps this has some bearing on the "rightness" of the turntable playback in my system. Aside from this likely synergy I do believe a well executed direct-drive turntable is superior to most, if not all, belt-drive 'tables. The speed accuracy of direct-drive adds greatly to correct pitch and a realistic sense of rhythm and pace. The build quality of the NVS is beyond reproach, as is the incredible crating system for safe transport. I've never had one problem of any kind- truly plug and play.
I am an acquatance of Mike L. who has owned many high-end 'tables over the years and has settled on the NVS after years with the legendary Sirius III as his most recent reference. I don't particularly care what equipment other people own, but my interactions with Mike have led me to feel that he's a very straight shooting guy and a very knowledgeable, mature audiophile who truly loves music and not stereo equipment. This resonates strongly with me.
So, in conclusion, the NVS is the best turntable I've ever heard or owned, it's a stone cold steal compared to the handful of highly regaded mega-buck tables available and my wanderlust for that next 'table upgrade is non-existent. It's a keeper!